On May 24, the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Service (CHARIS) in Hong Kong hosted a Pentecost Sunday gathering at Sing Yin Secondary School in Kowloon. Bringing together charismatic groups from Hong Kong’s diverse English-speaking communities, the event focused on the inspiring theme, “Holy Spirit—Our Inmost Being.” The day featured insights from two guest speakers, Father Sonny De Rivera and Father Emil Lim, both Divine Word priests visiting from the Philippines.
Father De Rivera opened the first talk by sharing a personal pastoral encounter, explaining how a moment of uncertainty while ministering to an angry mother taught him that silence can become a doorway for God’s guidance. He invited the congregation to reflect on the Holy Spirit as the Advocate, specifically highlighting how the Spirit teaches, reminds, sanctifies, and unites believers.
Drawing from scripture, particularly John 14:26, he illustrated the Spirit as a guide into truth, a strengthener, a comforter, and the ultimate source of spiritual gifts. He concluded his address with a practical call to action, urging the Charismatic community to open their hearts to prayer, act boldly in mission, discern moral choices, and build a loving, unified community.
Diocesan Chancellor Father Lawrence Lee Len concelebrating.
The second talk about the Holy Spirit living within us was delivered by Father Emil Lim, who introduced his message using the letters of the word Pentecost to represent vital spiritual themes: power, evangelization, new beginning, tongue of fire, empowered disciples, Church begins, outpouring of grace, spiritual gifts, and transformation. Focusing deeply on the final theme of transformation, Father Lim emphasised that internal change must be visibly expressed through a person’s life and witness.
He then shared seven distinct biblical signs of the Spirit’s presence, which include a humble disposition, transformation into the ways of Christ, commitment to prayer and the Sacraments, wisdom and charity, fruits in action and mission, inner peace, and a life ultimately recognized by its good fruits.
The Pentecost gathering was a deeply fruitful day of fellowship and reflection on the Holy Spirit’s vital role in guiding personal and communal transformation.
